Understanding the Borderland and the City of Doubt

The Humble Inquiry of the Disciple

On the thirty-first of May, 2017, the disciple Shi Faxi respectfully prostrated and invited Namo Amituofo to provide teachings on the meaning of the Borderland and the City of Doubt. Namo Amituofo, in His infinite compassion, offered this discourse to clarify the path for all practitioners who seek the ultimate destination.

The Veiled Outskirts of the Pure Land

The Borderland is situated on the outskirts of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. It is often referred to as the City of Doubt, a place where those who harboured lingering hesitations during their practice reside. Because of these doubts, their own minds create a veil that obscures their vision of the Buddha. Consequently, they find themselves in a state where they cannot see the Buddha, nor can they hear the profound teachings of the Dharma. They remain in this state for five hundred lifetimes, enjoying a life of bliss, yet they are separated from the ultimate realisation of the Buddha's presence.

The Weight of Incomplete Faith

Why does a practitioner end up in this state? It is because their faith was not one hundred percent complete. When one practises with a heart that is not fully surrendered, the achievement remains incomplete. Because of this single, lingering thread of doubt, the lotus flower in the Western Pure Land cannot bloom for them. They remain held within the bud, waiting for the moment their faith becomes absolute.

A Life of Temporary Splendour

Although they have not yet seen the lotus flower bloom, the environment in which they reside is still vast and, in many ways, comparable to the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. The life they experience there is characterised by the following:

• Meditative Joy:
• They subsist on the joy of deep concentration rather than physical sustenance.Purity of Form:
• Their bodies are free from the impurities and waste associated with the physical realms.Mind-Manifested Reality:
• Their world is governed by their intentions; whatever they desire—be it food, a place to rest, or beautiful surroundings—manifests instantly.Abundant Happiness: They experience a state of profound joy and contentment.

However, it is vital to understand that this state is not permanent. Because they do not have the opportunity to listen to the sutras or receive the direct teachings of the Buddha, it is not the true, ultimate Western Pure Land.

The Radiant Path to True Awakening

Only when the time is right and the practitioner finally develops a heart of absolute, unwavering sincerity can they truly enter the Buddha's realm. The Borderland is filled with those who still harbour self-doubt, and because they doubt themselves, they inevitably doubt the Buddha. This is the fundamental reason why they cannot see the Buddha's light.

The true Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss is incomparable in its dignity and splendour. It is a realm that can only be truly known through direct experience. I hope that all beings can understand this clearly. Do not let confusion or doubt obstruct your path to awakening. With sincere faith and firm vows, you will be reborn in the Western Pure Land. Do not let doubt continue to hinder your progress. I urge all beings to seek the West, to chant the name of Namo Amituofo with a pure heart, and to be reborn in that Pure Land to enjoy eternal, ultimate bliss.